VP, Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
About The Position
The VP, Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships will serve as a visionary academic lead and a primary driver of cross-product innovation across the 2U Degree and Alternative Credentials business lines. They will lead senior level academic relationships in the edX LOB. This is a senior leadership role with primary responsibility for bridging the gap between edX business strategy and the academic mission of university partners. This role acts as a strategic partner to the VP, Senior General Manager and the broader edX Partner management team, providing senior-level support to cultivate deep institutional relationships. As the primary academic lead in Partnerships, this individual will drive cross-product innovation across Executive Education (EE) and Degree business lines, ensuring that 2U’s offerings remain at the forefront of digital education.
Requirements
- Master’s degree required
- 15+ years of experience in Higher Education or EdTech, with a proven track record of managing complex university partnerships at an executive level.
- Deep understanding of academic governance, curriculum innovation, and the evolving digital education landscape.
- Demonstrated success in a matrixed environment, with the ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders without direct authority.
Nice To Haves
- Doctorate or equivalent academic leadership experience preferred.
- Strategic Vision: Ability to synthesize market trends and academic needs into actionable business strategies.
- Relationship Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate complex institutional hierarchies.
- Communication: Reflective and persuasive communication style suitable for engaging both academic and corporate executives.
- Excellent commercial acumen and strategic judgement, particularly within the EdTech or Higher Ed space.
- Strong financial acumen, including financial models.
- Confident decision-making and the ability to lead people to results.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and listening skills, with proven success in go to market roles.
Responsibilities
- Build and sustain senior-level relationships with edX partners, engaging Provosts, Deans, and faculty to align institutional goals with the edX platform.
- Lead and facilitate the University Partner Advisory Council for edX, serving as the primary voice for academic collaboration and feedback.
- Act as a high-level advisor and support for the VP, Snr General Manager and the broader edX Partner management team to resolve complex academic or strategic partnership challenges.
- Work closely with the edX Director to ensure that business strategies are fully integrated with the strategic priorities of university partners.
- Serve as the primary academic authority for the edX business line, working within the matrix org overseeing the integrity and innovation of educational offerings.
- Drive innovation across EE and Degree business lines, identifying opportunities for cross-functional synergy and product evolution.
- Act as the primary lead for the edX Director regarding partnership strategy and senior partner management.
- Assist in identifying and securing new business opportunities, leveraging academic expertise to build compelling value propositions for potential partners.
- Collaborate with the VP, Sr. General Manager to develop long-term growth plans that balance operational targets with academic excellence.
- Coordinate with internal functional heads - including Curriculum & Learning Education, Operations and Tech - to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, innovative academic content.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life insurance, disability, and 401(k) employer match
- Free snacks and drinks in-office
- Generous paid holidays and leave policies, including unlimited PTO
- Additional time off benefits include: volunteer days, parental leave, and a company-wide winter break
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
